Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1887-06-17

lad to oppose it. Hence the energies of
his teachers were spent in trying TO
drive Greek aud Latin into his dull
brain, which utterly refused to harbor
them. He was fond of good eating. of
fishing, jokes, fun of all kinds. His
IL ~ ieldy body prevented his taking part
in athletic sports, but his applause was
hearty. No student, even among the
dignfied seniors, would play against
any other college in baseball or cricket
unless Tony could 90 to back him. His
enthusiastic shouts and yells were con-
tagious.
OF course lie was butt for the whole
college. He was Babe" "lnfant,'
"Humpty Dumpty" still, but every
man from the professors to the newest
freshman liked Tony. He was so good
humored so sincere, and above all, in
such deadly earnest with his work! He
began with fresh zeal every morning to
score a fresh failure before night.
By dint of pushing he was taken into
the freshman class.
Il doubt if he ever goes farther" said
Prof. Tyndall to me Il was now tutor
i'm the lower school). There's not a
mean or vulgar trait in that great body. |
Under his goodhumor, there is fine,
noble nature But a minister he will !
never be- Even if he could ever speak
in public, he never can take the train
ing"
The half-y early examinations were at
hand. Tony broke dow n again in Latin
and Greek | went to his room that !
evening, and found him sitting a-strad-
die of his chair, his chin on the back,
staring steadfastly in the fire. Tony's |
round face was as bOyish as ever, but
there was an infinite depth Of longing |
and pain in his dark eyes.
"Hard luck, Brashier?" | said.
you don't know the worst. Here is
a letter from my mother, couating the |
time until shall be minister; doing |
something for the glory of Gods Gospel
and the good of the world. How can
tell her am thrown back another year? |
l ought to be at work now, supporting
her.
II work as a farm hand during sum-
mcr, and earn enough to help us both;
but it is very poorly. Other men of my
age would have profession. She is
growing old. She ought to live like
lady"
"Will you persist here?"
al will stay the four years, as have
promised her."
could not reach him with any cour-
age or comfort. Tony was treading
depths of misery where no man could
come nigh to him.
But after that day there was a singu-
lar change in him.
lie was regular and attentive in his
classes as he had been before; but out
side OF them he withdrew himself from
all his old companions, gave up his fish
ing club. He was seldom seen on the
ball or cricket grounds; he scarcely gave
himself time for his meals.
His door was always locked, but vague
reports crept out that "rhe Babe" was
surrounded by pile OF new books,
sheets of drawing paper, pencils and
queer utensils.
BY degrees the new order of things
became habitual and ceased to provoke
remark. There was gravity and earn
estness in Tony never seen before.
Some times he took holiday, came TO
the ball-fielG, and then his wild "Hur-
rahs T. drowned all the others.
Time passed. Men who began with
Tony were now seniors. He was only
beginning his sophomore year.
The college stood in the suburbs of
large city, and the boys naturally took
a keen interest in all public events.
Among these was the erection ola large
church, which was 70 be the most stately
and beautiful in the city. The money
10 build and endow it had been left by
man of great wealth who requested that
il should be kept free forever for the use
of the poor.
All the leading architects submitted
plans 10 the committee. One was chosen,
and the work of building was pushed on
with energy. 1t was near the college,
and the boys were so interested in the
matter that the new church became
place of daily resort, and as its massive
domes and airy spires rose in the air
each lad felt that he personally had
share in it. Tony especially was in the
habit of going daily to the building and
spent hours in watching Its rapid growth,
and talking to the workmen.
AT last il was finished. 1t was to be
consecrated the day before commence
ment.
Mrs. Brashier came up to the college
tha; day. Her reports Of TOny's pro-
gress had been vague. She came, full
of despairing fears, to verify them, and
made her way at once, as before, to Prof.
Tyndalfs rooms.
al have not ToLy's confidence any
more" she complained. ''He writes me
that he is trying faithfully to satisfy my
wishes, but that he knows it is useless.
He does not 90 into details"
The Professor went into details, end
ing with: cit is folly to deceive your
self. madam. You must see that the ef-
fort Tony has made to become minis
,er is useless, as he says. Are you not
willing even now that he shall take up
some other work in life!"